After a hike on a hot summer day, few things feel better than a dip in some cold water — unless that dip takes place in an old rock quarry filled with chilling spring water. If you’re up for an adventure, the Eno rock quarry in North Carolina is a swimming hole hike in North Carolina that leads to a relatively hidden spot – hidden to all but the locals who are familiar with this dreamy, natural pool.

Before we continue; however, it’s worth noting that the NC Division of Parks and Recreation highly discourages swimming here and that the area is regularly patrolled by rangers. With that in mind, if you’re swimming and using the quarry in a manner that could be hazardous, you can bet a ranger will ask you to leave the area. Safety is everyone’s most important concern, so if you see someone not making smart decisions and they’re using the quarry in a way that could cause injury, we’re sure the rangers would appreciate a head’s up. With that covered, let’s get to one of the best swimming hole hikes in North Carolina.

The enormous, four-acre quarry was created in the 1960s with the construction of I-85 in Durham.
Denilson Alvarenga/Google
It soon filled with spring water and since that time, generations of locals have made the two-mile hike through the woods just to spend a blissful day in the cold water.
To be clear, swimming here isn't condoned by the city, the county, or anyone else.
Jamie Roszel/Google
But people do it anyway and just use their common sense. Diving, especially, is not recommended. Anyone who's seen a quarry that's not filled with water knows quarries are filled with unexpected ledges and huge cut stones. Spending a day on top of the water here is always fun, but beware of underwater hazards.
Getting to Eno Rock Quarry involves a two-mile hike through the forest.
Kyle/Google
The journey begins on Cabelands Trail, which then veers off onto Eno Quarry Trail. Overall, the trek is an easy one with few elevation gains. Plan on spending 60-90 minutes getting to the quarry on foot.
Making the hike after a recent rainfall could mean some dicey creek crossings, so come prepared to get creative.
Grace Aldis/alltrails
It will also mean getting a bit muddy. Eno Quarry isn't recommended for small kids, for obvious reasons. But you can bring your dog if it's kept on a leash.
After an hour or so of hiking, you'll encounter signage for Eno Quarry Trail.
Scott Densmoore/alltrails
Most of the hike will take you through a forest and, in the summer, under the shade of a canopy of trees.
Be prepared to make some new friends. Many locals have kept this secret (and free) water park hidden for years.
Justin P/alltrails
Bring a raft or a tube and a picnic and plan to spend the day relaxing in the cool waters.
Any time of year, Eno Rock Quarry is a great spot to hang a hammock and relax.
Jamie Roszel/Google
Just remember to leave no trace so that when you return, this amazing spot is as nice as the last time you were here.

The trail to this natural swimming hole in North Carolina is approximately two miles. You’ll start your trek on Cabelands Trail and then veer off onto Eno Quarry Trail once you’re in the forest leading to the best swimming quarry in North Carolina. The parking lot for the Cabelands trailhead is small, so arrive very early or late in the day to get a spot. No overflow parking is allowed on the road.

Exploring a swimming hole in the middle of the woods is like finding a needle in a haystack. For another hidden treasure, discover an emerald swimming lagoon hiding deep in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.

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Eno Rock Quarry, 4950 Howe St, Durham, NC 27705, USA